MATT Dufty’s immediate move to Warrington Wolves has been confirmed – and head coach Daryl Powell believes we will see him at his best in Super League.

The full-back had agreed to join the club next year but was granted an immediate release by NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs to bring the move forward earlier today.

> Click here for the full story of Matt Dufty’s move to Warrington Wolves, including the thoughts of the man himself

Powell addressed the new signing at his weekly press conference earlier today and here’s what he had to say…

Q: When are you expecting Matt to arrive in Warrington and what will he bring to your side?

DP: He should be here early next week – I’m not sure that’s nailed yet but we’re hoping he’ll be here on Monday.

He’s a sharp player – I know he’s dropped out of the team this year. That sometimes happens but I’ve not looked too much into that.

For me, I tried to sign him at Castleford a few years ago. He’s an electric full-back with genuine speed.

From my chats with him, he studies and understands the game. He’s got good leadership qualities having been in the leadership group at Canterbury and I think he’ll be suited to the game over here, if I’m honest.

If you look at Jai Field for example, he didn’t do too much in Australia but has genuine speed. Having that in this country is a fantastic commodity.

Q: You’ve got plenty of options at full-back now with Josh Thewlis, and Stef Ratchford who you can put there as well…

DP: Stef did really well when he went in there against Catalans.

Losing Gaz Widdop for what looks like the rest of the season gave us an opportunity to try and bring Matt in a little bit early and I think he’ll be a great fit for us.

You’re always looking for exciting players – people that make fans stand up when they get the ball. Jai Field and Bevan French have done that for Wigan and we believe Matt Dufty will do the same thing for us.

Q: There’s a few reports in Australia about him being hard to handle but do you think this move will suit him?

DP: I’ve watched him for quite a few years at St George and the Bulldogs. The key is to get the best out of players like him.

If we do, he’s going to be an electric player in this competition. We’ve got to make sure that happens and then we’ll have a pretty special player.

I’ve kept in touch with him fairly heavily since we decided to sign him. We’ve had a fair few Zoom calls just trying to get to know each other.

Now he’s coming over early, there’s a chance to sit down properly with him and see how he likes to be coached – that’s important for getting the best out of him.

Q: Will he arrive fit and ready to play straight away?

DP: Obviously, we’ll have to fix the jet lag up but he’s been playing pretty regularly in the New South Wales Cup.

I’ve kept an eye on that so I’m sure he’ll be fine.

Q: The one thing you hope for with signings from the NRL is that they come over with the right kind of attitude.

From your conversations with Matt, do you sense an enthusiasm for coming to England?

DP: I really do.

He knows Jai Field pretty well and he can see what the game over here has done for him.

The game’s a little bit different here and I think it’s going to be perfect for him. He’s had a little bit of a frustrating time this year and I think he just wants to get over, get stuck in and learn about playing in this country.

He’s not coming over for a holiday. He’s coming over to be outstanding and to achieve his very best as a rugby league player.

Q: There’s a few comments floating around from former Australia forward Peter Tunks – a former teammate of yours at Sheffield – saying Dufty would arguably be better served playing as a stand-off.

Is that something you’re thinking about?

DP: I saw that and I do know Tunksy from my time at Sheffield, but I haven’t thought about that at the moment.

I see him as a genuine full-back and that’s where he’ll play for us.

You never know what can happen in the future and some players are more versatile than others but at the moment, I see him as an out-and-out full-back.